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A Delta Airlines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam was forced to make an emergency landing on Wednesday evening after it hit severe turbulence shortly after takeoff. The incident left at least 25 people injured and caused chaos inside the aircraft, as beverage carts and other loose items were thrown through the cabin.
The Airbus A330-900, operating as Delta Flight 56, had been in the air for about 40 minutes and reached an altitude of 37,000 feet when it encountered the turbulence. The plane briefly climbed to 38,075 feet before suddenly dropping 1,300 feet in just two minutes. The aircraft then stabilized and diverted to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where it landed safely at around 7:50 p.m.
Emergency crews were waiting on the ground to assist passengers and crew members. Nine people were taken to Hennepin Healthcare in downtown Minneapolis for treatment. All were treated and released, according to a hospital spokesperson.
Passenger Nick-Taylor Jensen, who was returning to his home in Aarhus, Denmark after a work trip, described the turbulence as “extreme.” He said the seatbelt signs were off, people were walking in the aisle, and flight attendants were serving drinks when the plane suddenly jolted violently.
“A man five rows ahead of me flew up and hit the ceiling,” Jensen recalled. “The plane was shaking in all directions, and the sound was terrifying—nothing like regular turbulence.”
Jensen, who has flown about 200 times, said the flight attendants appeared to be in shock. He overheard onboard paramedics saying they had broken ribs, dislocated knees, and even broken legs. One of them was seriously injured.
His own father, who was sitting a few rows ahead, hit his head on an overhead bin during the sudden drop. Jensen said he and his father briefly made eye contact during the ordeal and both feared it might be their last moment together.
Jensen called the experience “surreal” and said he wouldn’t wish it on anyone. He is grateful he will get to hug his wife and four children again.
The ceiling inside the aircraft was visibly damaged, where at least one passenger had struck it during the turbulence. Despite being injured themselves, Delta flight attendants worked quickly to help passengers and keep things under control. Jensen praised their efforts, saying, “They went above and beyond to care for us.”
The plane was carrying 275 passengers and 13 crew members. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.
Turbulence is caused by invisible changes in air pressure and wind. It can happen unexpectedly and is not always related to visible weather like storms or clouds. The FAA noted that while turbulence is common during flights, it can be dangerous, especially for those not wearing seatbelts.
“Turbulence is a normal part of flying,” the FAA said. “But it can throw passengers out of their seats without warning, which is why wearing your seatbelt is always important.”
This incident is a reminder of how quickly a routine flight can turn dangerous. Though the aircraft landed safely and everyone survived, the event left many shaken and injured.
The FAA will continue its investigation to determine exactly what happened and how such turbulence could have been so intense. Meanwhile, Delta has not released a full statement but is reportedly cooperating fully with authorities.